Create a Hummingbird Garden Habitat

It's not difficult to create a garden that will attract hummingbirds, but if you'd like to build a habitat in which they will happily nest and live throughout the northern summer, you need to provide them with more than a sugar-water feeder and a plant or two. An active hummingbird garden doesn't need to be large, but it will have all of the following key ingredients to attract and keep the attention of "nature's fairies".

Choose plants that attract Hummingbirds Flowers are, of course, the key ingredient in attracting hummingbirds to your garden. The tiny birds feed on nectar that is produced by flowers, and they seem particularly attracted to plants with trumpet or tubular bright red and orange flowers. Favorites include rhododendrons, azaleas and rose of Sharon bushes. For northern gardens that attract the ruby-throated hummingbird, choose plants that flower at different times during the blooming season to provide food for them throughout the spring, summer and fall.

Spring Bloomers - Azaleas, rhododendrons and rose of Sharon bushes make a great 'background' for hummingbird gardens. They bloom early in the spring and continue blooming through the early summer. Pink and bright red varieties are favored, but hummingbirds love all Rose of Sharon varieties.

Summer Bloomers - Bleeding hearts and red mountain columbine bloom in the early summer, as do petunias, morning glories, trumpet vines, trumpet honeysuckle, and impatiens, all of which attract hummingbirds.

Autumn Bloomers - Butterfly bush, day lilies, garden phlox, bee-balm and impatiens all will keep hummingbirds returning through the autumn. These blooms will also attract late migrators too.

Provide a source of water in the hummingbird garden Unlike larger birds, hummingbirds will seldom take advantage of a bird bath or bowl of water. Instead, they relish cool mists. A garden hose with a misting attachment or a small fountain that can be adjusted to a fine mist will keep them happy.

Create perching and nesting space in your garden Hummingbirds need shelter from predators, plus small branches for perching and resting (yes, they do perch sometimes!). By choosing a few taller bushes or trees, you can provide both.

Several strategically placed hummingbird feeders There are dozens of commercial hummingbird feeders designed to be attractive to the little wanderers. Choose feeders with bright red accents, and a capacity for about 8 ounces of sugar water. Instead of using one large feeder, place 2-4 of them around your garden, out of sight of each other if possible. Hummingbirds are notoriously territorial. By providing several 'private' feeding stations, you'll increase the number of hummingbirds that you attract.

Related information and resources from this article can be found at: http://www .garden-source.com/archives/2005/06/28/a-garden-to-attract-hummingbirds/

© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. This article is provided courtesy of The Wild Bird Shop section of The Garden Source Network. You may publish it at no cost, as long as the links are left intact, made live, and this notice stays in place.

---

A Teak Chair - Create a Livable Outdoor Space with One

When creating a comfortable, usable outdoor space, nothing could me... Read More

Wildflower Seeds - Ten Reasons Why You Should Plant...

Native wildflowers are those that were growing naturally in the... Read More

Wildlife in Winter Ponds

This may seem contradictory, but you want to leave a... Read More

Set Out a Feast for Your Feathered Friends

February is "Feed the Birds" month in much of North... Read More

Developing the Perfect Landscaping Idea

Using landscaping ideas can be an effective way to attract... Read More

Patio Design and Patio Furniture - The Use of Focal Points

A focal point is an important design element; it is... Read More

Fountains of Refreshment

When hot, sticky days hit, try to use all your... Read More

Selling Your House? Mow Your Lawn!

A property that has a well manicured lawn has one... Read More

Roses and Juniper Rock Gardens

Wide circle driveways don't happen much anymore, but when they... Read More

Organic Roses in the Flower Garden

Many people believe growing their flowers and vegetables organically is... Read More

Adirondack Chairs - How to Choose One

In Blue Mountain Lake, New York, you will find a... Read More

Why are Adirondack Chairs & Adirondack Furniture a Cottage Favorite?

With summer right around the corner, it's time to sit... Read More

Here is Why You Should Use Gypsum in Gardening

Do you have clay or layer of hard subsoil problems... Read More

Greenhouse Buying Guide - Choosing The Right Greenhouse

When choosing a new greenhouse for your garden there are... Read More

Viburnum

Viburnums are related to the honeysuckles, so it should come... Read More

Skip The Pesticide And Use Natural Alternatives

For best health, it is important to keep your environment... Read More

How To Attract Hummingbirds

Yes! You can attract hummingbirds to your home. Even if... Read More

Adirondack Chairs - The Proper Way to Care for Them

The Adirondack chair is unlike any other chair every made.... Read More

Wild Flower Garden - Make Amends...Your Plants Will Love It

A wild flower garden, just like any garden you wish... Read More

Guide to Basic Lawn Mower Maintenance

Trying to start your lawn mower after a long winter... Read More

Enjoy Creating and Growing a Sustainable Garden While Feeding Your Family

A sustainable garden means one that can be sustained over... Read More

Kirengeshoma palmata

Kirengeshoma palmata Sometimes known as yellow waxbells, Kirengeshoma palmata... Read More

Growing Your Own Herbs for Tea

If you love herbal teas, as I do, you know... Read More

Granite Flexible Preformed Rock Ponds

More than just a Preformed PondTraditionally, preformed ponds are large... Read More

Cast Aluminum Furniture

In days gone by, outdoor furniture was cast from iron.... Read More